Cooling Solutions for NYC Coop Board Members
An Energy Efficiency Consultant’s Guide
As the days are slowly getting longer and the imminent arrival of summer, coop boards in New York City find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Now is the perfect opportunity to ensure their Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are ready to combat the sweltering heat that characterizes NYC summers. Whether it's the hum of central air conditioners or the whir of through-the-wall units, energy efficiency consultants play a vital role in assisting co-op boards in navigating this seasonal transition. Let’s explore the ins and outs of heating and air conditioning in NYC buildings:
For co-op boards across New York City, there’s no better time to prepare for the summer than the winter! This proactive approach not only ensures residents' comfort during the scorching months but also contributes significantly to energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall property well-being.
In this article, we explore why coops and condos should prioritize preemptive maintenance on their HVAC and AC systems and how engaging with energy efficiency consultants can enhance the process.
Let’s start from the beginning.
What is HVAC?
HVAC: This stands for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Typical components of the HVAC system in an NYC apartment building include:
Heating: This system provides heat and hot water. In NYC, most buildings are heated using boilers that burn fossil fuels like natural gas or oil, with some buildings buying steam from Con Edison. The heating plant is usually very old, and some proactive boards are replacing them with more energy efficient systems such as co-generation that runs on natural gas, or heat pumps that run on electricity.
Ventilation: This system brings in fresh air from the outside and removes old air from the inside through fans, ducts, and filters.
Air conditioning: While a majority of New Yorkers have their own air conditioner, either through the window or through the wall, some buildings have central air conditioning systems or water-cooled chillers. With a recent interest in us all doing our part to save the planet, as an energy efficiency consultant, we’re seeing a huge increased interest in electrifying buildings by installing heat pumps to replace both inefficient air conditioning and heating systems.
What are the coop board and landlords required to provide?
NYC building owners are required to provide their residents with heat and water (both hot and cold.)
New York’s heating season is from October 1 through May 31 every year. During this heating season, landlords and the coop board need to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees between 6 am and 10 pm when the outdoor temperature falls below 55 degrees. From 10 pm to 6 am, the indoor temperature must be at least 62 degrees, no matter what the outdoor temperature is.
The heating season is not the time to do preventative maintenance on the boiler and hot water source. However, there’s no better time to prepare for the summer than the winter. Boards are gearing up now to address the challenges of keeping their buildings cool and comfortable during the summer months. Both heating and cooling are a critical component of building management, impacting both tenant satisfaction and operational costs.
What are the HVAC systems in NYC Buildings?
Boilers: Most NYC Buildings, especially those that are built or retrofitted prior to the 1980s are heated with traditional boilers and steam radiators. The fuel type used for those boilers is either oil, natural gas, or in less common cases, steam purchased from ConEd. As a cost and energy efficiency consultant, we find that buying steam from ConEd is the most expensive option. However, some buildings do not have enough space for a boiler and historically didn’t have much choice. With the emergence of heat pumps, these buildings now have the option of replacing their expensive solution with heat pumps.
Cooling:
Through-the-Window or Through-the-Wall ACs: Throughout the landscape of NYC co-op buildings, through-the-window or through-the-wall air conditioning units are a familiar sight. However, their convenience comes at a price. These units are notorious energy consumers, leading to elevated utility bills and environmental impact. Additionally, through-the-wall units often create heat loss during the winter if not properly insulated. There are Air Conditioning covers, but we often see Acs without insulation and covers. Some buildings have programs where the staff will remove and store the ACs.
PTAC Systems: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) systems offer another common cooling solution in NYC co-op buildings, boasting individual control and easy installation. However, they come with their own set of drawbacks. PTAC systems are known for their subpar energy efficiency and noisy operation, requiring frequent maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Moreover, their cooling distribution may be uneven, leaving certain areas uncomfortably warm while others remain chilly, prompting the coop board to explore alternative solutions for comprehensive climate control.
PTAC units typically provide both heat and AC and run on either natural gas or electricity. They only allow for either heating or cooling for the entire building. This means that the resident managers switch from heating to cooling for the entire building when the heating season is over, and back from cooling to heating in the fall.
Heat Pumps: Enter heat pumps, a promising alternative to traditional AC and heating systems, poised to revolutionize HVAC management in NYC co-op buildings. Unlike conventional units that rely on combustion to generate heat, heat pumps operate by transferring heat from one area to another, leveraging ambient warmth for efficient cooling. This makes them 50% more efficient than traditional ACs. This inherent efficiency makes heat pumps particularly well-suited for buildings in NYC that for the most part have boilers that are well past their life-expectancy and through the window or wall ACs.
What are the Benefits of Heat Pumps?
The benefits of heat pumps extend beyond energy efficiency. By reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, heat pumps contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for NYC co-op buildings. Their quiet operation and minimal maintenance requirements ensure hassle-free performance, while integration with smart thermostats enables precise control and enhanced energy savings. Furthermore, incentives and rebates incentivize co-op boards to embrace heat pump technology, offsetting initial installation costs and fostering widespread adoption.
Ventilation: The importance of proper ventilation is a topic that is widely covered by the business and health and wellness world. While Ventilation is part of the HVAC equation, as an energy efficiency consultant we find minimal interest from boards to improve their building’s ventilation. Why is that? We believe that the monetary benefits for improving and upgrading the heating and cooling systems are much more tangible. In addition, the enormous fines that buildings face as part of Local Law 97 has made their heating and cooling systems a priority.
The Benefits of Preemptive Maintenance:
Considering the diverse range of HVAC equipment and unique requirements across buildings, crafting a tailored maintenance agreement is paramount. With the complexities of HVAC systems, skilled technicians are essential to ensure optimal functionality. Preventive maintenance not only lowers operating costs but also boosts system efficiencies, providing peace of mind.
“By partnering with a reliable company offering flexible service schedules, you can rest assured that your building's needs are met promptly and efficiently” - Blaine Udell, CEO AFGO Mechanical Services
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: HVAC systems that are well-maintained operate more efficiently, consuming less energy to provide the same level of cooling. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels, can optimize the system's performance. This not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers utility bills, benefiting both the residents and the property's financial health.
Extended System Lifespan: Preemptive maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can extend the lifespan of HVAC systems, saving coops and condos from the significant costs associated with premature replacements. By investing in maintenance now, property managers can ensure the long-term sustainability of their heating and cooling infrastructure.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Regular maintenance involves cleaning and changing air filters, a crucial aspect of ensuring good indoor air quality. Dust, debris, and pollutants can accumulate in the HVAC system over time, leading to poor air circulation and potentially harmful air quality. By addressing these issues proactively, coops and condos can create a healthier living environment for residents.
Cost Savings and Budget Predictability: Unplanned repairs and emergency breakdowns can be expensive and disrupt the financial stability of a property. By investing in preemptive maintenance, property managers can establish a predictable budget for HVAC-related expenses. This not only allows for better financial planning but also reduces the likelihood of emergency repairs, saving both time and money in the long run.
Enhanced Resident Comfort: Residents in coops and condos expect a comfortable living environment, especially during the summer months. Regular maintenance ensures that HVAC systems function optimally, providing consistent and reliable cooling. By prioritizing resident comfort, property managers contribute to a positive living experience, enhancing tenant satisfaction and potentially attracting new residents and more potential buyers.
Engaging with Energy Efficiency Consultants:
Energy Audits and Assessments: Energy efficiency consultants specialize in evaluating a property's energy usage and identifying opportunities for improvement. Conducting energy audits and assessments can reveal areas where HVAC systems can be optimized for better efficiency. By implementing recommendations from these consultants, coops and condos can achieve substantial energy savings.
Technology Upgrades and Retrofits: Energy efficiency consultants can recommend technology upgrades and retrofits that align with the latest advancements in HVAC systems. Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, smart thermostats, and zoning controls can significantly enhance a property's overall energy performance. These measures not only reduce operational costs but also position the property as environmentally conscious.
Engaging with Property Management in NYC:
Comprehensive Maintenance Plans: Property management in NYC plays a crucial role in executing and overseeing preemptive HVAC maintenance. Collaborating with experienced property managers ensures the development and implementation of comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to the unique needs of coops and condos.
Regulatory Compliance: NYC has specific regulations and codes related to building maintenance, including HVAC systems. Property managers stay abreast of these regulations, ensuring that coops and condos remain in compliance. Failure to comply can result in fines and legal complications, making the expertise of property management essential.
As the days lengthen and the specter of summer looms, New York City co-op boards face a critical juncture in their building management responsibilities. It's imperative to ensure that Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are primed to combat the intense heat synonymous with NYC summers. Energy efficiency consultants stand as indispensable allies in guiding co-op boards through this seasonal transition, offering insights and strategies to optimize HVAC performance.
From preemptive maintenance to embracing innovative cooling solutions like heat pumps, co-op boards can take proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and promote resident comfort. By engaging with energy efficiency consultants and property management professionals, co-op boards can navigate the complexities of HVAC maintenance and regulation compliance with confidence, ensuring a cool and sustainable future for their buildings.
Are you ready to enhance energy efficiency in your co-op building? Contact us today to learn how our team of energy efficiency consultants can assist your co-op board in preparing HVAC systems for summer and embracing sustainable solutions for a brighter, greener future.